http://www.infobarrel.com/How_to_Protect_Your_Family_from_West_Nile_Virus published October 28, 2008

How to Protect Your Family from West Nile Virus

by Jane84

Though the risk of actually catching West Nile Virus may be low, it is important to take the necessary precautions and preventative measures to protect you and your family. West Nile is spread by mosquitoes which can be found during the warmer months in most parts of the U.S.

Things You Will Need

Making sure your yard and the area around your home is not an environment that attracts mosquitoes will help in protecting your family against West Nile Virus. A bug hat, long sleeves, long pats, and insect repellant will help deter mosquitoes.

Step 1

Protect your skin by covering up, wearing long sleeves and long pants if possible. Make sure your clothing is light-colored and consider wearing a bug hat to protect your neck and face.

Step 2

Always use insect repellant when outdoors. DEET-based repellants can help reduce your risk for insect-borne diseases, including West Nile. Make sure to read all directions and instructions to ensure the repellant is applied correctly.

Step 3

Avoid going outside during peak mosquito times which are dawn and dusk.

Step 4

Since mosquitoes breed and lay eggs near water sources, drain any standing water found in buckets or any other containers. Fix any leaky faucets that could create standing water in your lawn.

Step 5

To keep mosquitoes from coming indoors, make sure all your windows have screens that are intact.

Step 6

Pools and other decorative water sources (such as a garden pools) should be kept chlorinated to repel mosquitoes.

Step 7

While all birds are obviously not indicative of West Nile, they can be a sign of West Nile Virus in the area. Report dead birds to authorities